BIOPRINTING PROJECTS
Bioprinting Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels for mechanobiology
Hydrogels, like GelMA, are biomaterials that can be used to study the mechanical environment that surrounds a cell. With the REGE4LIFE bioprinter, we are working towards combining the advantages of 3D bioprinting and stem cell multipotency to create biocompatible scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Optimisation of bioprinting parameters
Successful bioprinting relies on structural integrity and cell viability which are highly influenced by several bioprinting parameters such as bioink composition and flow speed. For example, high shear forces during extrusion leads to improved bioink deposition, but forces experienced by the embedded cells is one of the main causes of cell death and injury during print. Thus, optimisation is necessary to balance the opposing mechanical requirements of structural fidelity and cell suspension. Paired with various stem cells bioprinting could potentially result in endless clinical applications due to their high self-renewal capacity, high yield, and retention of differentiation potential.
